Inferior vena cava

The inferior vena cava (or IVC) is a large vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the lower half of the body into the heart. It is formed by the left and right common iliac veins and transports blood to the right atrium of the heart. It is a retroperitoneal structure, meaning it is posterior to the abdominal cavity, and runs along side of the vertebral column on its right side.

Related Topics:
Vein - Blood - Heart - Common iliac vein - Right atrium - Retroperitoneal - Vertebral column

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The IVC anastomoses with the azygos vein system (which runs on the left side of the vertebral column) and the venous plexuses next to the spinal cord. It drains the lower limbs, perineum and pelvic structures, the retroperitoneal structures (e.g. kidneys) and the digestive organs (via the hepatic veins).

Related Topics:
Anastomoses - Azygos vein - Plexus - Spinal cord - Lower limb - Perineum - Pelvic structures - Kidney - Digestive organs - Hepatic vein

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Health problems attributed to the IVC are typically associated with it being compressed; it very rarely ruptures because it has a low intraluminal pressure. Sources of (external) pressure are an enlarged aorta (abdominal aortic aneurysm), a fetus (pregnancy) and abdominal maligancies, such as colorectal cancer, renal cell carinoma and ovarian cancer. Since the inferior vena cava is primarily a right-sided structure, unconconscious pregnant females should be turned on to their left side (the recovery position), to relieve pressure on it and facilitate venous return. In rare cases, straining associated with defecation can lead to restricted blood flow through the IVC and result in syncope (fainting).{{ref|Brophy}}

Related Topics:
Pressure - Aorta - Abdominal aortic aneurysm - Fetus - Pregnancy - Colorectal cancer - Renal cell carinoma - Ovarian cancer - Recovery position - Defecation - Syncope

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Occlusion of the IVC is rare, but considered life-threatening and is an emergency. It is associated with deep vein thrombosis, IVC filters, liver transplantation and instrumentation (e.g. catheter in the femoral vein).{{ref|Geehan}}

Related Topics:
Deep vein thrombosis - IVC filter - Liver transplantation - Catheter - Femoral vein

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The vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the upper half of the body is the superior vena cava.

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In the embryo, the IVC and right atrium are separated by the Eustachian valve, also known in latin as the valvula venae cavae inferiore (valve of the inferior vena cava). In the adult, this structure typically has totally regressed or remains as as a small endocardial fold.{{ref|Yavuz}}

Related Topics:
Embryo - Eustachian valve - Latin

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